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Pembroke Welsh Corgis: A Puppy Buying Guide

Corgi puppies! They’re all the rage these days. It seems like every other person I see on social media wants to or just got a new Corgi puppy. And it’s understandable. These guys are kee-yooot. Their little round bums bring light to our dreary social media feeds and life seems like it would just be better with a Corgi.

I’m writing this post today because we get asked pretty often where and which breeder we got Chibi from. (That’s right, pretty much no one is asking me where I got my American Eskimo ?). I see people ask other Corgi accounts all the time, “Which breeder is he from?” “Where can I find a Corgi puppy in California?”

Watch our YouTube video on this topic!

Before we get into everything, this is a post about Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Cardigan Welsh Corgis are a completely different breed, and although they have similar physical features to Pembrokes, they have different temperaments. Any breeder who is selling a Pembroke x Cardigan mix is not selling a purebred dog. And there’s nothing wrong with mixed breed dogs! Just don’t be duped by those who are selling them as purebred dogs. If you’re interested in a Cardigan, check out their parent club, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America.

Unfortunately, it’s not easy at all to find a well-bred, healthy Corgi puppy. To do so, you should give yourself at least a year of research and preparation before expecting to take a puppy home. Maybe even two years depending on which reputable breeders are having litters that year.

The majority of Corgi breeders out there seem to be backyard breeders or puppy mills, cashing in on the recent popularity of the breed. Take it from someone who got a puppy from poor bloodlines — you do not want to buy a puppy from a backyard breeder. Chibi is one of those backyard breeder puppies, so I hope what I share today will help future Corgi owners be more prepared when looking for the dog of their dreams. It’s not to say those puppies don’t deserve homes or that I regret getting Cheebs, and this is not a post about adoption vs. purchasing. This is a post for those who are interested in bringing a new puppy into their home and are wondering what’s the best way to find one from a breeder.

Why is it especially important to get a healthy Corgi?

Poorly bred Corgis tend to come with a slew of issues, if not during puppyhood definitely during adolescence and adulthood. Because of their stature, they are very prone to orthopedic issues – way more so than regularly proportioned dogs. We’ve shared our experiences with Chibi being diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia at just 1 year old, a condition that results from poor genetics and conformation. The long term downside of having an unhealthy dog means you’re paying ten times or even more what you did for the puppy. We’ve spent money on three surgeries, approximately $1000/month on rehab, and countless vet visits and health exams. We’ve also heard of backyard breeder puppies coming home infested with fleas and with congenital defects or infections.

The worst part is seeing your dog unhealthy or in pain. It makes me so sad that Chibi cannot come on hikes with us or romp at the beach at a doggy playdate. It’s just not the life a dog deserves to live.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis: the breed standard

Because there are so many backyard breeder Corgis out there these days, it’s hard for people to even recognize what a Corgi is supposed to look like! I was guilty of this when looking for my puppy — I couldn’t tell the difference between most dogs and ended up inadvertently supporting a breeder who was not dedicated at all to the breed or her dogs.

For example, the two dogs on below barely look like they’re the same breed. Yet they’re both from “purebred Corgi breeders.”

Our friend Geordi @lacorgi is from a reputable breeder, and take a look at his features. Rounded ears, straight and stumpy legs, and a straight top-line, meaning the back is not roached or curved.

Chibi has pointier ears and her front legs sometimes turn outwards (as a result of her poor conformation and need to compensate for her weak legs). Her back legs also rotate inwards rather than being straight. Thankfully Chibi has a nice straight top-line, because she’s already a handful of problems as it is!

Some of you might be thinking, “Sure, well I don’t want a show-quality Corgi. I’m not going to be participating in conformation.” That’s totally fine! But there are ways to get non-show Corgis that are healthy too. Issues resulting from poor conformation can lead to health problems that are preventable if you get a well-bred dog.

Those front legs that turn outwards? It’ll most likely result in arthritis and inflammation as the dog gets older. The roached back means you’ll probably have a dog with spinal issues starting from a young age. Sticking their back legs out or doing the “mermaid pose” when they sit is not normal, either and could mean hip issues.

Are you sure you want a Corgi?

Please do sufficient research in understanding breed temperaments and personalities before deciding on the breed you want. So many people buy Corgi puppies and end up giving them away or turning them to shelters after a few months because the dogs are more than they can handle.

Corgis are not super easy dogs to own, especially for first-time dog owners. They shed a TON (seriously, I think Chibi sheds more than Kokoro) and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. They bark and are very vocal, so if you want a quiet dog, a Corgi might not be for you. They can be high drive due to the herding instincts and need a ton of mental stimulation to stay happy. This means you could considering doing dog sports like obedience, rally, nosework, or agility with your dog, which is usually at least a weekly commitment to classes. The great thing about them is that they’re super smart and easy to train, so long as you have the proper understanding of how to devote your care and time to the dog!

What kind of Corgi do you want? 

Pembroke Welsh Corgis come in the below colors.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis can have blue eyes and merle patterning. Pembrokes are not supposed to have blue eyes, and most often breeders who claim to breed “bluie” Pembrokes end up with dogs that have some sort of Cardigan Welsh Corgi in their bloodline.

Believe it or not, Cardigans are more closely related to basset hounds than they are to the Pembrokes!

The best way to find a healthy Corgi puppy

  1. Start at the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America (PWCCA). They have a public directory of reputable breeders all across the country with contact information, too! Interested in adopting? They also have a resource for rescue Corgis.
  2. Attend a PWCCA event. They host plenty of dog shows, matches, and more where you have the opportunity to meet reputable breeders and Corgi enthusiasts in person.
  3. Contact your local breed club (such as GGPWCF, PWCCSC), Cascade, Mayflower) and go to their specialties.
  4. Once you’ve found a breeder, you have to pretty much court them! Talk to them, get to know them and let them know you’ve done all the proper research and are prepared to own a Corgi. You want to become their best friend and give them the comfort of knowing their puppy will have only the best home with you.
  5. See if the breeder will allow you a  chance to meet at least one of the parents. Check out their conformation and temperaments because it’ll be a strong indicator of what their puppies will be like. Often times, breeders don’t own both the mom and dad but reputable breeders will be more than happy to tell you everything about the parents, from their temperaments and quirks to the history of their pedigree.
  6. Ensure your breeder conducts the proper health tests on the parents, specifically for the eyes and hips. Degenerative Myelopathy is a chronic disease that is also common in Corgis, rendering them unable to use their back legs. These health tests are expensive, so most backyard breeders in it for the cash won’t want to conduct them. Our breeder’s excuse was that Chibi’s parent’s parents were tested, so she didn’t feel the need to test her dogs.

Not such great ways to find Corgi breeders

  1. Googling “corgi breeder in [location]” or “corgi puppies for sale”
  2. Facebook Pages
  3. PuppyFind
  4. AKC Marketplace

Funnily enough, the most reputable breeders are usually less tech-savvy and have horrible websites that look like they’re from 2001, if they even have one at all. The best way to get in contact with a breeder is to meet them in person.

How to tell if a breeder is NOT a reputable breeder

Below are some things we’ve picked up over the last few years dealing with our breeder and learning more about the many Corgi breeders in southern California. They are good things to keep in the back of your mind when searching for the most appropriate breeder for your puppy.

1. They sell puppies to anyone who gives them a deposit, even before the puppy is born

Reputable breeders will interview you, ask you in detail about your lifestyle and knowledge of the breed, pairing you with a puppy based on its personality being a fit for your life. Breeders who require deposits on unborn litters and sell puppies on a first come first serve basis typically aren’t looking out for the best interest of their dogs.

They might also allow you to pick the puppy. We were first in line to put a deposit on Chibi’s litter, so we got first pick. Meaning we got to see a photo of Chibi at 1 day old, not knowing her personality or anything, and had to make a decision on which puppy we wanted. Reputable breeders will likely pick a puppy for you around 9-12 weeks of age depending on your lifestyle, needs, the puppy’s temperaments, and more.

2. They will ship you your puppy via plane

If your breeder is out of state, it’s a better idea to fly there and pick up the puppy yourself. Reputable breeders usually expect you to come in person for an interview and then to pick up the puppy yourself, no matter how far you are.

3. They don’t conduct health tests on the parents

Conducting health tests are expensive, so most backyard breeders in it for the cash won’t want to conduct them. Our breeder’s excuse was that Chibi’s parent’s parents were tested, so she didn’t feel the need to test her dogs. It turns out we could’ve greatly benefited from the OFA hip test, because she came with hip joints that were only 10% inside the socket!

Dogs cannot be OFA tested until they are 2 years old. BOTH parents should have the following tests: vWD, DM, OFA, CERF. A reputable breeder will be more than happy to provide you complete records and results from these tests.

If a breeder is offering a 1-2 year “health guarantee,” this usually doesn’t mean anything. Many genetic issues do not manifest until many years later, such as DM. Our breeder gave us a “1 year” health guarantee, but when I contacted her when Chibi was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at 1.5 years, she claimed none of her dogs have ever had the issue and asked if it was because I let her jump off too much furniture.

4. They charge exorbitant amounts for a puppy

We have friends who paid around $300 for their Corgi puppies almost a decade ago. Chibi was just over double that. Nowadays breeders are charging even $4000 for their puppies without offering any insight into whether they’re conducting genetic testing. A puppy from a reputable breeder will be pricey due to the cost of conducting those tests, but just know that just because a breeder is charging a lot for a puppy, it does not mean it’s a guarantee of quality or health.

5. They have litters simultaneously

Caring for a bunch of Corgis is no easy task, let alone brand new litters of puppies.  If a breeder is having too many litters at the same time, it might be an indication they are in it for the cash.

6. They start breeding their dogs very young

Chibi’s mom was 4 years old when she had our litter. This was already her fourth litter. This means our breeder either bred her mom when she became 1 year old or she bred her multiple times a year, which is a huge no-no at such a young age.

After Chibi’s litter, our breeder retired her mom and gave her away. Simultaneously, she acquired two female puppies. As soon as those puppies hit just over 1 year old, they had their first litters too. Reputable breeders will wait until female dogs are at least 2-3 years old to have their first litter.

7. They advertise their dogs are AKC registered

Anyone can register a dog with the AKC. The organization doesn’t actually check which dog was bred to which as long as the breeder pays. Even a dog registered as purebred may not be actually purebred.

8. They advertise Champion bloodlines

Some backyard breeders will take photos of their dogs next to signs that mean pretty much nothing to dupe people into thinking their dogs have won dog shows, mine included. Ask for a copy of your dog’s pedigree. Just because there was one title 5 generations ago, it doesn’t mean your puppy has champion bloodlines.

You should see CH/GCH titles when looking at a pedigree with actual champion bloodlines. At least one parents should have that if from a reputable breeder. Pedigrees should go back at least 4-5 generations with verifiable AKC numbers and health testing results.

9. They send puppies to new homes before 10 weeks of age

Per PWCCA’s Code of Ethics, breeders should not be selling puppies that are younger than 10 weeks of age. Puppies need those extra couple of weeks with their moms and littermates for health and temperament reasons.

10. They are not a PWCCA member or local breed club member (i.e. GGPWCF and PWCCSC)

In summary…

Unfortunately it’s not a one-click thing to order the puppy of your dreams to your doorstep. We have learned a ton from our experiences with Chibi, and she was definitely more of a handful than we expected when we put our deposit down on her. Don’t get me wrong, I love and adore Chibi and think she’s the most perfect Corgi for me!

But, I do hope that sharing our experiences can help future Corgi owners be more prepared when entering into the stumpy-legged chapters of their lives. Maybe if less people want to buy from a backyard breeder, there will be less poorly-bred dogs riddled with diseases and orthopedic injuries out there who deserve much better lives than that!

Huge thanks to our friend Geordi la Corgi for contributing to this post.

Emily is a Los Angeles based content creator with a passion for photography, videography, and storytelling. Through @emwng, you'll find photos and videos of people, places, delicious food, and of course, her two fluffy sidekicks Kokoro and Chibi.

Comments

  • August 1, 2018
    reply
    Von

    Where did you get your American Eskimo?

  • August 1, 2018
    reply

    i love this! very informative! made me realize how unprepared i am for a corgi right now. and wow, no wonder geordi looks like the “perfect” corgi. he must’ve been from a reputable breeder.

  • August 2, 2018
    reply
    Danangme

    I paid 850 dollars for my male Corgi 3 years ago and I guess I got lucky with no health issues so far. I did meet the parents and they seemed healthy with good dispositions. I agree a dog with bad genes can turn into a black hole for cash as my old deceased Lab who was costing me 500 month for treatment of multiple serious conditions proved.
    The fact that corgi are so popular now worries me because every no nothing shyster will start breeding them indiscriminately and ruin the breed like so many other popular breeds of the past.
    Good luck

  • August 2, 2018
    reply
    Kelly

    This is a really well written and accurate article. As a mom to an 11 year old and 11 week old corgi, I often worry about the corgi trend. These are working dogs who need proper attention and commitment.

  • August 2, 2018
    reply
    Makiko

    Thank you for sharing! I just got a corgi puppy in Apple Valley and I had some second thoughts.. the breeder didn’t ask any questions of me or quiz me on corgi ownership unlike other breeders who have required questionnaires. Like you point out the breeder didn’t get my puppy tested and insisted the parents were healthy so she was as well. And I was required to pick her up at 8 weeks and no later than 9. I previously had a corgi for years before he passed from cancer and can only hope my puppy doesn’t have issues. Also my sister found the breeder on the AKC site and she had 2 litter of corgis. Did you happen to get Chibi in Apple Valley?

    • August 8, 2020
      reply
      Olivia

      Hello! I’m literally on my way to visit this breeder in Apple Valley because I have the same concerns as you. She was actually recommended to us by my boyfriend’s colleague and he has said nothing but good things about the breeder and his 2 year old Corgi from her, but I’m still concerned and wanted to check her out for myself. I would be happy to keep in touch if you’d like to exchange information!

  • August 3, 2018
    reply
    Jessica

    Thank you! This was an informative article. I waited three years to get my corgi puppy and now I’m concerned because his ears aren’t overly rounded – we met his parents and it never occurred to me to see if they had all the characteristics of a corgi – now I’m worried if he’ll be okay in the long run! Will bring this up with the vet. He’s 2 months now, and his ears are up but I’m not sure if it’ll become rounder as he grows. Seems pointy to me. Also, I’m wondering what you mean by mermaid pose – tried googling it, but that just turned up dogs in mermaid costumes (hah..) My breeder didn’t ask me too many questions – so that is a red flag for sure. He was very loving with his dogs but now I’m beginning to wonder how much of it was motivated by money.

  • September 13, 2018
    reply
    Icabod

    Our breeder hosts visits with each litter. People get the chance to interact with the puppies. This does several things. It socializes the puppies so they identify with people. Visitors get to learn about the breed and the breeder watches the interactions This also gives the puppies a choice in finding their human. Yes, some people are told corgis aren’t suitable for them.
    There is no visit, pick one and leave.
    Not surprisingly, we, and our puppies, stick around. We go to events together and continue to visit the breeder.
    Each parent gets a full exam of eyes, hips, etc. They also get testing for DM. The breeders goal is to eventually have all clears. All buyers know their dog’s DM status, and are educated about DM.

  • September 13, 2018
    reply
    Theresa Ellis

    Thank you so much for this informative article. Having owned, trained, and shown Pems for nearly 40 years, I too fear what’s happening to the breed due to the surge of popularity. I hope that corgi owners such as yourself will continue educating the public. I’ll also mention the owners of Jasper Islington, Marcel LeCorgi and Mona & Drewbert, to name a few, also contribute to this education. Many thanks to you all. Enjoy and love this precious breed!

  • January 16, 2019
    reply
    Judith

    Thanks so very much for your detailed article!
    our family is looking to adopt a young corgi or puppy.
    we live in NY… any guidance on where to start looking?

  • April 3, 2019
    reply

    I’m trying so hard to find the right breeder but I can’t seem to find one I’ve been researching for a year now I’m getting so tired, but this website really helped thank you.

  • April 30, 2019
    reply
    Vivian

    This was extremely helpful! Thanks so much for sharing – as a new corgi owner I did a lot of research to help get our pup but this article would’ve made it so much easier and clearer, and I still learned a lot even now! For example think sometimes conformation is mentioned and we know it’s a good thing but to have it explained the way you did is really enlightening to the average pet owner like myself, who doesn’t see themselves necessarily looking for a show dog or equates everything that comes with it with fancy dog shows. Thanks again! Now I’m going to be looking out for that mermaid sit lol…hoping our pup isn’t doing that!

  • August 26, 2019
    reply
    Claudia

    I had the hardest time finding a Corgi pup. My youngest grandson was wanting one so badly that he asked Santa for one last year, but after no success in finding one, I had to tell him Santa doesn’t usually bring animals cos it’s so cold in the North Pole so he has the family get it. Was finally successful finding a local breeder of red-headed tricolor Pembrokes in April. The 10 pups were 8 weeks old and she was taking deposits. I took my grandson and we picked out a female after he was sitting and getting bombarded with puppy kisses. I was assured that the parents had been tested and passed with flying colors, but didn’t test the pups. So far at 6 months she seems fine and healthy. She’s growing like a weed and definitely is a Diva…she rules over the 2 males in the house. She needs obedience classes badly, though. I ended up negotiating and paying $800 instead of the $1000 she wanted. She will be registered AKC soon (took the breeder 4 months to get the paperwork to me).
    I also have a 13 1/2yo senior mini dachshund that she torments. Both sleep with me. I truly hope no bad health issues come up for her. It would break my grandson’s heart. Her call name is Queenie.

  • January 18, 2020
    reply
    Mary Obeck Hughes

    I live in Charlottesville Virginia. I’m interested in rescuing a corgi. Hopefully you can direct me to the right person.

  • April 18, 2020
    reply
    Cynthia L

    When we were first owned by our corgi, we found a breeder on the AKC website in 2005 in Riverside. She cost $750 at that time.

    Kiki was a gem. She was ill when we got her, with giardia, kennel cough and round worm. She got well fairly quickly. The rest of her life, right up until she got lymphoma just before her 14th birthday, she had zero health issues. She was sweet, calm, and loved people and other dogs. People would come up to me at Corgi Beach Day and ask to take pictures with her. I know why I loved her but I never understood why other people were drawn to her.

    Kiki won the first watermelon eating contest at Corgi Beach Day. She tried again after that but younger faster dogs always beat her.

    She went to the Veterinary Cancer Center of Orange County in Tustin in October of 2018. She received chemotherapy until January 2019 when it stopped working. In retrospect, we gave her chemo for us, not her, and if it happens again I think we wouldn’t put a dog through it. Kiki was calm and patient throughout the process. When she passed away she took a piece of our hearts with her.

    A year and a day after we lost Kiki we rescued a breeder surrender. We had been on the waiting list for a puppy at a breeder in Los Angeles but when a friend called me telling me about an abused 8 month old who needed a home we stepped up to the challenge. Koko was in heat when she came home to us. We paid the breeder $500 to help her recoup the costs she had been paying sitters. Koko didn’t get along with other dogs, wasn’t potty trained, didn’t know was how to walk on a leash and wanted to chew on everything with her brand new adult teeth. It has been a tough four months. The vet wouldn’t spay her until we were sure she wasn’t pregnant and by then the quarantine had begun, and all non-essential operations were stopped. We couldn’t hire a trainer because of the quarantine too.

    I have no idea what her health problems will be for the future. She has learned to walk on the leash and be house trained for the most part. She growls at other dogs out on walks and is sensitive to noises in her vicinity. I’m hoping that she can learn to get along so we can go to dog parks, Corgi Beach Day and other fun times with other dogs. If you have any ideas for trainers in the Cypress area please let me know. When the lock-down is over I’ll need one.

    Thank you for reading this!

  • April 26, 2020
    reply

    Hello my name is Jackie. I am looking for a Corgi for my mom. We have had all types of dogs but never a Corgi. She never got to pick out her own dog having four children and husband. Now she wants a Corgi. She has read alot about them. Pros & cons. Please help me find a healthy Corgi for my mom she is very active woman. Pembroke sounds like a better choice than Cardigan less eye, leg, back problems. Otherwise their nose,tail,body is bigger and hair is a little different. Thank You Very Much, Jackie Karp

  • May 6, 2020
    reply
    Tina

    Hi,
    I just want to thank you for this very informative article of your experience and advice on Corgis. I came across your blog through my search on Corgis as we are considering to get one. Information you share here really helps me understand more about this breed health issues as well as navigation points on how/where to find reputable breeder.
    Wishing you all the best with your dogs. :)

  • November 6, 2020
    reply
    Ross

    Can you please advise for a good original breeder that has Corgis that I can trust?

  • November 15, 2020
    reply
    Ariful

    I saw your post, it was great,
    I am interested in buying some “corgi” breeders. Where can I find these owners to buy orl I can purchase or is there a website where I can find out the DETAILs. let me KNOW please.

  • December 7, 2020
    reply
    Avery Dill

    Thank you so much for this! I’ve been wanting a corgi for years, and I want to get one after I graduate college in a few semesters! This is so insightful, and I am definitely saving this for future reference!

  • December 13, 2020
    reply
    Nadine

    Thank you so much for this blog! i’m in search for my very first official pet and i want it to be a pembroke welsh corgi. ive been watching your youtube videos and started doing extensive research. i live in michigan and in one of your videos, i saw you got chibi from a backyard breeder in michigan. i was wondering if you can tell me the name so i can avoid it? also i did all the “no-no’s” on your vid about googling this and that but now i know better. thank you again and i enjoy all the chibi contents you share!

  • April 2, 2022
    reply
    Sebastian Arroyo

    Do you have a link that I CAN USE TO FIND A CORGI BREADER BECAUSE IM DONE SO MUCH TO FIND ONE BUT I JUST CANT :(

  • September 17, 2022
    reply
    Agnes

    Thank you so much for the information. I’m expecting to purchase mine next month. I’ve been conversing with the Zion corgi breeder from AZ.the provided all their dog pedigree cert and health info. So, I think they are good. Now I’m requesting to see the parents and meet with the breeder before those two litters being born next month. 😆 wish me luck and hope I will bring one home before Christmas. Oh yeah, they are charging $2500+ per puppy. So expensive, I think, but if that can save me some vet bills later. I think it will be worth it. :) 😄

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